Autoblog Motorcycle http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Motorcycle http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Suzuki back in MotoGP for 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/suzuki-back-in-motogp-for-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/suzuki-back-in-motogp-for-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/suzuki-back-in-motogp-for-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,



It had been planned for 2014 but it's going to be 2015 instead - that's when Suzuki returns to the manufacturer ranks of MotoGP after quitting the series at the end of 2011 because of The Great Recession. When Suzuki stopped after 37 continuous years of racing, it said it intended to return three years later and it has been in talks with MotoGP's rights holder, Dorna Sports, since last year. No doubt, though, that fan anticipation of the team's return outdoes any dismay at the delay. It will join Yamaha, Honda and Ducati in the premiere league.

Its bike has already been testing in Japan and was with the official MotoGP tribe in Barcelona, Spain on Monday when Suzuki announced its return. It's said the development bike is called the XRH-1, being ridden by official tester Randy de Puniet (who currently races in MotoGP on an Aprilia-based bike with TeamAspar). and after a day of testing de Puniet got the new Suzuki to within seven-tenths of a second of the top time posted by other MotoGP teams. Davide Brivio, who once ran the Fiat-Yamaha team and has been close with Valentino Rossi, will be the team manager.

Speaking of Rossi, The Doctor is back with Fiat-Yamaha after a bad run with Ducati but is only contracted to the end of 2014. Brivio is the man who got Rossi to join Fiat-Yamaha, then got him to Ducati. Until he took the head of Suzuki's works effort, Brivio was working with Rossi's VR46 management company, heading areas like merchandising. The rumormill has already begun its work, with folks wondering if Rossi will head to Suzuki in 2015 if his second stint at Yamaha doesn't prove fruitful before then. Scroll down below for the official press release from Suzuki.

Continue reading Suzuki back in MotoGP for 2015

Suzuki back in MotoGP for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motogpsuzukisuzuki xrh-1 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625034/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/suzuki-back-in-motogp-for-2015/20625034/article-detail.xml 20625034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/suzuki-xrh-1-motogp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/suzuki-xrh-1-motogp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BMW R1200GS vs BMW HP4 on track - video screencap

The 2013 BMW HP4 is the track-ready version of the manufacturer's already mighty S1000RR, which puts the bike at the very tip top of the two-wheeled BMW food chain. The R1200GS, meanwhile, is intended to be a somewhat more utilitarian machine. Capable of conveying both rider and gear over vast distances and uncertain terrain, the big-boy GS is the Swiss army knife to the HP4's rapier. Or at least that's what we've always been led to believe. BMW recently rolled out some footage during a press launch that showed the R1200GS is actually no slouch when it comes time to sling around a road course.

The company threw both bikes on Spain's Circuito de Almeria for a little sparring match, and miraculously, the HP4 didn't just up and walk away from the R1200GS. From from it. Instead, the two stay tightly matched through most of the course before something surprising happens. We won't spoil the ending for you. Is it possible the rider on the HP4 still had some in reserve? Sure, but from the sound and look of things, neither bike was giving an inch. Check out all the video action below for yourself.

Continue reading 2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria

2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw hp4bmw motorcyclesbmw motorradbmw r1200gsbmw s1000rrr1200gsvideo Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20599179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20599179/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/20599179/article-detail.xml 20599179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/r1200gs-vs-hp4-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/r1200gs-vs-hp4-628.jpg <![CDATA[Michigan study says motorcycle injuries worsen with weaker helmet laws]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/michigan-study-says-motorcycle-injuries-worsen-with-weaker-helme/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/michigan-study-says-motorcycle-injuries-worsen-with-weaker-helme/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/michigan-study-says-motorcycle-injuries-worsen-with-weaker-helme/#comments Filed under: ,

Motorcycle helmet

Not surprised? Neither are we.

According to The Detroit News, an insurance industry study found that the average medical claim resulting from a motorcycle crash rose by more than one-fifth in Michigan last year, following the state's decision to no longer require most riders to wear helmets. For 40 years, the Mitten State required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but now only mandates this for people under the age of 21.

"The cost per injury claim is significantly higher after the law changed than before, which is consistent with other research that shows riding without a helmet leads to more head injuries," David Zuby, chief research officer for the Highway Loss Data Institute, told The Detroit News. When the institute's study was adjusted for the age/type of motorcycle, age of rider, gender, martial status, weather and other factors, the rate increase was found to be 22 percent, compared relatively to four surrounding states (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin).

Of course, there's always the other side of the story, which is that even if a state's legislation does not require a rider to wear a helmet, that doesn't mean people automatically dismiss the fact that this is a key safety factor. "No one is forcing anyone to ride without a helmet," Jeff Hennie, vice president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, told the News.

Michigan study says motorcycle injuries worsen with weaker helmet laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 May 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> helmet lawsmichiganmotorcycles Fri, 31 May 2013 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20589137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20589137/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/31/michigan-study-says-motorcycle-injuries-worsen-with-weaker-helme/20589137/article-detail.xml 20589137 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/par2060215_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/par2060215.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe and Concept 90 pics from Villa d'Este]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-and-concept-90-pics-from-villa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-and-concept-90-pics-from-villa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-and-concept-90-pics-from-villa/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe reveal at 2013 Villa d'Este

BMW Concept 90 motorcycle at Villa d'EsteRoyalty and the ultra-wealthy rubbed damp shoulders at this past weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Italy's Lake Como, but even the rain couldn't extinguish the excitement generated by the millions of dollars of cars and bikes on display. Nowhere was this more true than with BMW, which marked the occasion with the reveal of two stunning concepts with six wheels between them - the shark-nosed Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe and the retrosexual Concept 90 motorcycle.

Conceived with Italian design house Pininfarina, the Gran Lusso Coupe is a power broker on 21-inch wheels. While we're not completely sold on every element of its design, this twelve-cylinder two-door concept moves us more than the current 6 Series, and not just because it has four more cylinders underhood and 48,000-year-old kauri wood paneling inside. BMW is sadly mum on production hopes, but we're not entirely optimistic - the company has graced us with a number of attractive concepts at Villa d'Este before, only to pack them away again without ever affording them a production future.

If one of these concepts has a better shot at finding its way into dealers, we have to believe it's the Concept 90 under the BMW Motorrad umbrella. Designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BMW's R 90 S, we think this Roland Sands Design air-cooled boxer would look fantastic on today's streets, especially with the rising popularity of vintage motorcycles and cafe racers.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe and Concept 90 pics from Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw concept 90bmw motorradbmw pininfarina gran lusso coupeconcorso deleganza villa destelake comovilla deste Thu, 30 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20589239/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20589239/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/30/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-and-concept-90-pics-from-villa/20589239/article-detail.xml 20589239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-gran-lusso-coupe-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-gran-lusso-coupe-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rider Matsushita killed during Isle of Man TT qualifying]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/#comments Filed under: , ,



The 2013 Isle of Man TT has been darkened by the death of Japanese motorcycle rider Yoshinari Matsushita. During qualifying, 43-year-old Matsushita crashed on Ballacrye corner and passed away due to his injuries. In 2011, Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan died after their sidecar machine crashed in the same location. An investigation into Matsushita's accident has been launched.

Auto Cycle Union Events, the organizing body behind the Isle of Man TT, said in a statement that it passes its deepest sympathy to Matsushita's family and friends. Autos.ca quoted Gary Thompson, Clerk of the Course for ACU as saying, "Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock. He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed."

Matsushita is the 240th fatality attributed competing in the Isle of Man TT since the race began in 1911. A total of 21 people have died in competition since 2000.

Rider Matsushita killed during Isle of Man TT qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto cycle union eventsisle of manisle of man ttisle of man tt fatalitymotorcyclemotorcycle accidentmotorsportsracingyoshinari matsushita Tue, 28 May 2013 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585699/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/20585699/article-detail.xml 20585699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yoshinari-matsushita-rider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yoshinari-matsushita-rider.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a custom Ruby motorcycle helmet get illustrated, party ensue]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/watch-a-custom-ruby-motorcycle-helmet-get-illustrated-party-ens/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/watch-a-custom-ruby-motorcycle-helmet-get-illustrated-party-ens/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/watch-a-custom-ruby-motorcycle-helmet-get-illustrated-party-ens/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Corpses From Hell Ruby Helmet video - screencap

Ruby makes some of the most beautiful (and pricey) vintage-inspired helmets on the face of the planet - the lids transcend the typical formless safety wear to something approaching sculpture. Maxwell Paternoster recently turned one of the company's Castel helmets into his own personal canvas, and turned a video camera on to illuminate his process. Paternoster is the designer and illustrator behind Corpses From Hell, a site consumed with motorcycle design and imagery. With a flair for the deranged, Pasternoster's works toe the line between high-school notebook doodles and hilarious brilliance, each oozing with motorcycle cool.

Starting with a grease pencil, Paternoster sketched out his design and got to work with gold leaf and paint. The finished product features a circuit board, a disembodied claw-hand clutching a ruby and a gentleman squarely in the process of getting his face melted off. Like we said, hilarious brilliance. If you like the look of the Castel, head over to the Corpses From Hell site for more moto-centric goodness as well as close-up images of Paternoster's design. In the interim, check out the video below to watch the artist at work. The clip also features some sweet scooter hooning that's not to be missed.

Continue reading Watch a custom Ruby motorcycle helmet get illustrated, party ensue

Watch a custom Ruby motorcycle helmet get illustrated, party ensue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> artcorpses from hellcustom helmetdesignhelmethelmet paintingmaxwell paternosterruby motorcycle helmetvideo Tue, 28 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20584387/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20584387/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/watch-a-custom-ruby-motorcycle-helmet-get-illustrated-party-ens/20584387/article-detail.xml 20584387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/corpses-from-hell-ruby-helmet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/corpses-from-hell-ruby-helmet.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle - front three-quarter view

BMW R 90 S in Daytona Orange - front three-quarter viewThe Concept 90 is one of two new vehicles BMW is showing off at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the tony shores of Lake Como in Italy. This year is the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad and the 40th anniversary of the R 90 S (inset) - the first production motorcycle to come with a front fairing - and BMW has worked with custom bike builder Roland Sands Design to craft a homage to the Daytona Orange boxer from the Seventies.

While following the line of its forbearer, obviously the Concept 90 has been sexed and sleeked up. The bodywork is of hand-worked aluminum, the giant halogen lamp of the 1975 model (which is when Daytona Orange was introduced) has gone LED, and the front engine cover, valve covers, exhaust and wheels have been made with a contrast-cut milling process.

For a finer description of the Concept 90 check out the press release below, or skip the words and go straight to the high-res images above.

Continue reading BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este

BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw concept 90bmw motorcyclesbmw motorradbmw r 90 smotorcycleroland sands designvilla deste Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582660/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582660/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/20582660/article-detail.xml 20582660 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-concept-90_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-concept-90.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/20569468/article-detail.xml 20569468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Honda Grom motorcycle - profile view, red

My very first turn at the handlebars of a motorcycle came courtesy of an MSF Honda CB125. Despite the fact that it wore a very stern sticker on the tank warning all who rode that it was for instructional purposes only and not for legal sale, I wanted nothing more than to ride it past the cones of my license test and straight home. There was just something about the lightweight, low-power machine that just felt right. Now Honda is giving American buyers the chance to take home something similar. Meet the Grom. Yes, it's basically a sexed-up scooter, but that's fine by me.

There's a fuel-injected 125cc single pushing the fat-tired bike around, and a four-speed gearbox handles shifting duty.The smallish 12-inch wheels give the Grom a bit of a goofball appearance, but the handsome bodywork and gold forks help offset the look. Something tells me this joker is more fun than should be legal. Check out a fun video of the bike in action by scrolling down, and while you're there, you'll find a full press release on all of the new Honda powersports models, including the Grom. You can also head over to the Honda consumer site for more information. The bike will land in showrooms this August with an MSRP of $2,999.

Continue reading 2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video]

2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 125cc2014 honda gromhondahonda gromhonda grom 125hondagrom125motorcyclevideo Wed, 15 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568567/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568567/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/20568567/article-detail.xml 20568567 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-honda-grom-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-honda-grom-628.jpg <![CDATA[Motorcyclist rear ends truck, lands in bed and goes for a ride]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/motorcyclist-rear-ends-truck-lands-in-bed-and-goes-for-a-ride/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/motorcyclist-rear-ends-truck-lands-in-bed-and-goes-for-a-ride/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/motorcyclist-rear-ends-truck-lands-in-bed-and-goes-for-a-ride/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Just imagine for a moment that you're driving across a long stretch of secluded desert highway, and suddenly you see a hand waving at you from inside the vehicle in the rearview mirror. While this might seem like the stuff of scary urban legends, it is exactly what happened to a man last week as he was driving his Nissan pickup through California's High Desert.

According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, a motorcycle rider rear-ended the man's pickup at a high rate of speed, throwing the rider into the bed of the truck. Since it was a rough stretch of road that was under construction, the driver mistook the impact for road debris. Witnesses claim the motorcycle rider was traveling "in excess of 130 miles per hour," and while the rider sustained "minor to moderate" injuries, we imagine that things would likely have been much worse if he hadn't landed in the back of the truck...

Motorcyclist rear ends truck, lands in bed and goes for a ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorcyclemotorcycle crashmotorcycle safety Thu, 09 May 2013 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559757/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/motorcyclist-rear-ends-truck-lands-in-bed-and-goes-for-a-ride/20559757/article-detail.xml 20559757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-titan-bed-1367932812_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-titan-bed-1367932812.jpg <![CDATA[Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/#comments Filed under: , ,

Engadget gives Google Glass a try on a Ducati 848 Streetfighter

Our friends at sister site Engadget recently got a chance to give an early version of Google Glass. Tim Stevens went so far as to hop on the back of a Ducati 848 Streetfighter with Glass tucked under his helmet in an attempt to host a Google+ hangout while on a ride. Unfortunately, the system doesn't easily fit under a helmet thanks in part to the fact that it requires a sizable battery pack behind the user's ear. That kind of nips any fun on track recording options in the bud, either on a bike or on a car.

Still, with some finagling, Stevens was able to wedge the system in place well enough to take decent video, but cell reception woes soon put his online broadcasting hopes to an end. The good news is that Glass doesn't require a connection to continue recording, which is nice. You can watch video from the ride below for yourself.

While Google still has some work to do to make Glass appealing to the motorsports set, Stevens also uncovered a few other issues. Namely, the device isn't as intuitive as he'd hoped, and those with vision impairments had a hard time getting the system to function at all.

Continue reading Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed

Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ducatiducati 848 streetfighterengadgetgooglegoogle glassvideo Fri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553556/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553556/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/20553556/article-detail.xml 20553556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/#comments Filed under: , ,

When 30 Grand For Two Wheels Isn't Too Much



Surviving long-term motorcycle riding requires a healthy dose of fear and the heightened awareness that accompanies it. Nothing suffers fools quite as ruthlessly as two-wheeled transport, an axiom that has been relentlessly reinforced by YouTube. The exposure of riding is bound to catch up with thrill-seekers hungry for speed, knee dragging, and all the potential disaster that comes with tapping into a sportbike's vast reserves of performance.

That said, few things trigger as many life-preserving neurochemicals for a red-blooded rider as a fleet of 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R motorcycles idling in pit lane at the newly minted Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, TX. Something about the blood-red bodywork, the guttural idle from two huge combustion chambers and electric tire-warmers (with their implicit suggestion to strike while the rubber is hot), warns the reptile brain to take it easy and not make today the day to chase imaginary trophies and champagne sprays.

Continue reading 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R

2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 ducati 1199 panigale rducatiducati 1199 panigale rfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Fri, 03 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556488/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556488/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/20556488/article-detail.xml 20556488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/panigale-r-corner-basem-wasef-opt-car_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/panigale-r-corner-basem-wasef-opt-car.png <![CDATA[Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Local Motors, the company behind the Rally Fighter, briefly took its four wheels off the dirt and put two on the road for a crowd-sourced motorcycle project. Working with fellow Arizona company DP Custom Cycles, Local Motors invited its community to design a motorbike based on the Harley-Davidson Sportster. More than 200 entries from ten countries were received, and the winner has been chosen in the DP Racer by Andre Costa of Portugal. Second place was the NASCAR-inspired Talledega by Italy's well-known Oberdan Bezzi, third place went to Marc Senger of the US for his NASA-themed DP Customs Lander.

DP Custom Cycles will build Costa's Racer, but hasn't said how many of them will be produced. Serial Number 0001 is already taken, though, having been auctioned off to the Local Motors community. You can watch the selection process in the video and read about the contest and finalists in the press release below, and check out the top ten entries in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video]

Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crowdsourcingdp custom cycleslocal motorsmotorcyclevideoyoutube Wed, 01 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550832/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/20550832/article-detail.xml 20550832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/local-motors-dpc-contest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/local-motors-dpc-contest.jpg <![CDATA[Bicyclists walk away after terrifying Mulholland motorcycle crash]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/bicyclists-walk-away-after-terrifying-mulholland-motorcycle-cras/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/bicyclists-walk-away-after-terrifying-mulholland-motorcycle-cras/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/bicyclists-walk-away-after-terrifying-mulholland-motorcycle-cras/#comments Filed under: , ,

Motorcycle Bicycle Crash on Mulholland - screen cap

Now for a lesson in target fixation. As we're sure most of you know, your vehicle tends to go where your eyes go, and that's doubly true for motorcycles. Lock eyes with something you don't want to hit and invariably, that's precisely what you'll do. One rider in California recently found that out the hard way when he was confronted with a pair of bicyclists pedaling up Mulholland Highway. The rider exited a corner with plenty of angle left in his bike at a completely reasonable and legal speed, but panic took over when he spotted the cyclists. Rather than continue to lean, and thus turn, the rider grabbed a foot full of brake, stood his motorcycle upright and rammed both bicycles from behind.

All we can say is, it was a miracle no one was seriously injured in the collision. Everyone appears to have walked away with a few scrapes and bruises. You can watch the video below to see the whole disaster take shape, just be warned that the clip isn't for the weak of stomach. There's no serious gore, but watching the cyclists play Gumby is a terrifying sight all the same. There's some explicit not-safe-for-work language, too.

As riders of both bicycles and motorcycles, we sympathize with both parties. Yes, the motorcycle rider is clearly at fault here, and yes, the bicycles have a right to be on the road. They were even well to the shoulder as they should have been, but part of riding a bicycle is choosing where to do so safely. Sure, Mulholland is a mecca for both bicyclists and motorcycle riders, but the winding canyon road is far from a safe stretch of asphalt for slow-moving vehicles of any ilk.

Continue reading Bicyclists walk away after terrifying Mulholland motorcycle crash

Bicyclists walk away after terrifying Mulholland motorcycle crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bicycle failfailmotorcycle bicycle crashmotorcycle crashmotorcycle failmotorcycle hits bicyclesmulholland drivevideo Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553273/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/bicyclists-walk-away-after-terrifying-mulholland-motorcycle-cras/20553273/article-detail.xml 20553273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/motorcycle-bicycle-crash-628-1367342873_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/motorcycle-bicycle-crash-628-1367342873.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson killing six models for 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/#comments Filed under:

Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic - profile view

Harley-Davidson is making some room on its dealers' showroom floors. The motorcycle manufacturer has announced it will kill off a total of six models for 2014, including the XR1200X Sportster, FXS Softail Blackline and the FLHTC Electra Glide Classic. The company says it's pulling the plug on the bikes to "optimize the number of choices available," according to VisorDown, and to "reduce product overlap." We imagine it also has something to do with the fact that Harley-Davidson saw sales decline by more than 9 percent year over year despite an increase in profits in 2012.

Much of that sales decline can be attributed to lackluster demand in the US. The manufacturer will axe the FLHRC Road King Classic in North America only, while the FLHR Road King will fall off of the order books in other markets. Don't expect to see the FLTRX Road Glide Custom or the FLTRU Road Glide Ultra in 2014, either, though Harley-Davidson promises both bikes will return after a redesign.

Harley-Davidson killing six models for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 harley davidson2014 harley davidson models2014harleydavidson2014harleydavidsonmodelsharley davidsonharley davidson fxs softail blacklineharley-davidsonharley-davidson flhr road kingharley-davidson flhtc electra glide classicharley-davidson fltru road glide ultraharley-davidson fltrx road glide customharley-davidson xr1200xmotorcycle Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552168/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/20552168/article-detail.xml 20552168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/flhrc-road-king-classic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/flhrc-road-king-classic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acuraacura nsxacura tlcbr1000rrcrf250rcrf450rhondahonda cr-zhonda fit evpikes peakPikes Peak International Hill Climb Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548784/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/20548784/article-detail.xml 20548784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor.jpg <![CDATA[Morgan 3 Wheeler and driving fun, with Charles Morgan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/morgan-3-wheeler-and-driving-fun-with-charles-morgan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/morgan-3-wheeler-and-driving-fun-with-charles-morgan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/morgan-3-wheeler-and-driving-fun-with-charles-morgan/#comments Filed under: , ,

Morgan 3 Wheeler - rear view going down the road - video screencap

Charles Morgan has a pretty great job. The scion of Morgan's founder, and current managing director of the company clearly enjoys himself while driving the fruits of his enterprise. In another brief interview with Mr. Morgan, we get to hear and see a the tantalizing 3 Wheeler and Plus 8 on the road, overlaid with the man himself telling us just why his cars are so different, and so good.

When your priorities are brand history, great design, and, above all, building riotously fun-to-drive machines, you can be sure your cars will develop a following. So says Morgan, and so we believe. Scroll down below to see and hear, for yourself.

Continue reading Morgan 3 Wheeler and driving fun, with Charles Morgan

Morgan 3 Wheeler and driving fun, with Charles Morgan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> charles morganmorganmorgan 3 wheelermorgan motor companymorgan plus 8morgan three wheelermorgan trikevideo Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547633/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/morgan-3-wheeler-and-driving-fun-with-charles-morgan/20547633/article-detail.xml 20547633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/morgan-3-wheeler-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/morgan-3-wheeler-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Russian motorcyclist wields angle grinder

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: We don't know if the video you're about to watch really took place in the wild or if it were staged. That said, this appears to be one of the most alarming bits of road rage we've ever seen captured on video.

Let's set the scene. A motorcyclist is riding along with a good bit of distance between him and the black Nissan Juke in front of him before accelerating to catch up. The Juke driver moves to the left in order to avoid an obstacle in the road, cutting off the motorcyclist in the process, but everyone is fine. No harm, no foul? Hardly.

The motorcyclist falls way back, apparently biding his time and getting ready. Ready for what, you ask? Keep watching - the altercation concludes with an angle grinder, a frightened Juke driver and the loss of one minor appendage that once belonged to said Juke. Finally, a sticker that says 'NTV' is placed on the car's window, a fellow motorist appears to come to the driver's aid and the motorcyclist makes a quick getaway. Craziness.

Scroll down below to see it all unfold on video.

Continue reading Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke

Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> grindermotorcyclistnissannissan jukeroad ragerussiarussian camvideo Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547856/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/20547856/article-detail.xml 20547856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-motorcyclist-grinder_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-motorcyclist-grinder.png <![CDATA[Voi scooter taxi offers options for commuters in mega cites]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/voi-scooter-taxi-offers-options-for-commuters-in-mega-cites/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/voi-scooter-taxi-offers-options-for-commuters-in-mega-cites/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/voi-scooter-taxi-offers-options-for-commuters-in-mega-cites/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



TUM Create, a section of the Technical University of Munich, Germany, that has more than 100 technical types working on future solutions to mobility, worked with Singapore's Nanyang Technical University to come up with the Voi multipurpose electric scooter. The Voi - from the Vietnamese word for elephant - puts a rider behind an enclosed passenger cell that keeps proceedings narrow and can keep one of the occupants dry.

What's more, that front cell can be swapped for other modules like an open seat, a cargo box or a mobile kitchen. With the aim of being as convenient and affordable as a scooter and as comfortable as a car, the Voi can get up to 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour) and has an 80 kilometer range (50 miles). A video explaining the project can be found below.

Revealed at the Taiwan International Electric Vehicle Show (EV Taiwan) this month, you can watch it being built and taken for a spin in the video below, and check out the press release below that.

Continue reading Voi scooter taxi offers options for commuters in mega cites

Voi scooter taxi offers options for commuters in mega cites originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ev taiwanmunichnanyangscootersingaporetum createvoivoi electric scooter Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547705/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547705/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/voi-scooter-taxi-offers-options-for-commuters-in-mega-cites/20547705/article-detail.xml 20547705 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tum-voi-electric-scooter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tum-voi-electric-scooter.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic test drives the Epic Torq three-wheeled EV roadster]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/translogic-test-drives-the-epic-torq-three-wheeled-ev-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/translogic-test-drives-the-epic-torq-three-wheeled-ev-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/translogic-test-drives-the-epic-torq-three-wheeled-ev-roadster/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Only about a week ago did the company Epic EV makes its very first delivery of the Torq Roadster to a customer. Before that, our colleagues at Translogic spent some time with company founder Chris Anthony and were the very first to get some seat time in this Morgan-Three-Wheeler-Meets-Tesla-Roadster EV.

You may recall, Chris Anthony has been involved with some some very special EVs, including the ill-fated Aptera, the DeLorean EV, the all-electric wakeboard boat and an EV ATV.

The Torq Roadster is a natural extension of his work in electrified transportation, and while somewhat spartan, keeps up nicely with the EV world's performance standard-bearer, the now-cancelled Tesla Roadster, in the performance department: 0-60 miles per hour happens in about four seconds and this very wide trike (80.5 inches) can pull 1.3G while cornering.

Watch Translogic host Bradley Hasemeyer take it for a spin below.

Continue reading Translogic test drives the Epic Torq three-wheeled EV roadster

Translogic test drives the Epic Torq three-wheeled EV roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bradley hasemeyerchris anthonyepicepic torq roadstertranslogicvideo Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545251/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545251/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/translogic-test-drives-the-epic-torq-three-wheeled-ev-roadster/20545251/article-detail.xml 20545251 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/epic-torq-ev-roadster-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/epic-torq-ev-roadster-opt.jpg -1 2